Matt Damon and Ben Affleck reunite in the latest action-packed thriller, The Rip, directed by Joe Carnahan. Released on Netflix, this film marks a significant departure from their previous collaboration in 2023’s Air, a drama focused on Nike’s creation of the Air Jordan. In The Rip, Damon and Affleck lead a tense Miami-based story involving police raids, corruption, and betrayal, delivering just the kind of high-stakes drama fans expect from a Matt Damon Ben Affleck thriller.
Plot Overview and Character Dynamics
Set against the backdrop of Miami, Damon and Affleck portray vice cops Dane Dumars and Detective Sergeant JD Byrne, respectively, who regularly conduct raids on local stash houses. After their lieutenant Jackie is assassinated under mysterious circumstances, Dane takes over the leadership role. When Dane receives a tip about a large financial bust, he and his team discover far more cash than anticipated. To keep the raid under wraps, Dane confiscates the phones of his team members, forcing them into a tense, confined standoff as they grapple with growing suspicions.
The film creates an atmosphere thick with distrust, reminiscent of John Carpenter’s classic The Thing. The story’s tension intensifies as long-standing friendships fray, particularly between Dane and JD. While they share a close bond, Dane’s promotion over JD and JD’s prior relationship with the murdered lieutenant Jackie introduce a complex layer of tension and mistrust. JD’s reluctance to conform to authority only adds to the suspicion surrounding him, especially as Dane’s behavior grows increasingly strange during the raid.
The Film’s Style and Genre Influences
The Rip embraces the familiar aesthetics of an intense cop thriller, featuring armed officers in tactical gear conducting daring raids. It echoes the high-energy, macho tone typical of the genre, reminiscent of Michael Bay’s stylized action sequences. The dialogue brims with bravado and masculine posturing, creating a somewhat bro-centric atmosphere that feels authentic to this type of narrative. Although it bypasses a wide theatrical release and lands directly on Netflix, this approach suits the film’s straightforward, no-frills intensity and direct-to-video vibe.
Strong Supporting Cast and Production Elements
While Scott Adkins contributes to the film’s action, the spotlight primarily rests on a talented ensemble cast, including Steven Yeun, Teyana Taylor, Sasha Calle, and Kyle Chandler. Néstor Carbonell appears in a supporting role, complemented by a score that channels the tone of the Dark Knight trilogy. The writing maintains a balance between spirited, occasionally corny dialogue and a thoughtfully constructed plot that includes numerous satisfying twists and reveals.
Character-Driven Drama Amidst Limited Action
Despite its action-thriller label, The Rip uses a surprisingly restrained amount of physical confrontations, with much of the story unfolding within the confined setting of a single house. This low-budget approach could have felt limiting, but the film instead leans on the strength of its performers and sharp dialogue to hold the audience’s attention. Each interaction serves to shift and deepen the viewer’s understanding of the characters, making the tension between cast members both believable and compelling.
The Unique Dynamic Between Damon and Affleck
The reunion of Matt Damon and Ben Affleck is a key highlight, bringing a palpable history to their on-screen relationship. Their long friendship, going back to Good Will Hunting and beyond, infuses their performances with genuine chemistry and emotional depth. Their portrayals of two Marine-like Miami cops—likely transplanted from Boston—feel credible despite the somewhat unusual setting for both actors. Their shared history adds significant weight to moments where trust is tested, grounding the film’s tension in an authentic emotional reality that enhances the storytelling.
Entertainment Value and Audience Reception
The film delivers a blend of suspense, humor, and engaging performances that fit what Netflix viewers generally seek in a thriller. Director Joe Carnahan knows how to pace a story that balances lighter moments with high-stakes drama, resulting in a consistently entertaining experience. The mixture of solid directing, a skilled cast, and a well-crafted script makes The Rip a strong addition to the Matt Damon Ben Affleck thriller genre.
I hope they make more of these.
—Film Critic (attributed in source)
The Cast of The Rip
At the core of the movie are Matt Damon as Detective Sergeant JD Byrne and Ben Affleck as Lieutenant Dane Dumars. Their portrayals anchor the film’s intense exploration of friendship, loyalty, and suspicion within the pressure cooker environment of vice police operations in Miami.
